Results of an intervention to improve compliance with referrals for evaluation of suspected malignancies at neighborhood public health centers

Am J Public Health. 1990 Jan;80(1):85-7. doi: 10.2105/ajph.80.1.85.

Abstract

A study was conducted at Neighborhood Health Centers to evaluate procedures to improve compliance with referrals of patient at risk for cancer. Intervention consisted of a standardized communication from the exit nurse, a patient form to be returned after compliance, and one written and one telephone reminder as needed. Compliance was 68.2 percent in a control group and 89.0 percent among patients who received the experimental intervention, a significant increase of 20.8 percent (95% CI: 12.5, 29.1).

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Appointments and Schedules
  • Community Health Centers*
  • Educational Status
  • Ethnicity
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Referral and Consultation*